Secret rail levy could be corruption under expanded definition, ex-IBAC chief Robert Redlich says – 31 August 2026
Former IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said Victoria’s previously undisclosed Rail Improvement Charge could potentially fall within an expanded definition of corruption because of concerns surrounding secrecy, transparency and public trust. The levy was intended to raise billions of dollars for the Suburban Rail Loop and was reportedly developed and implemented without public disclosure before being exposed by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office.
Victoria Police charge man over alleged $424,000 in fraud as part of secret commission investigation – 1 September 2026
Victoria Police charged a man with offences including obtaining financial advantage by deception and making and using false documents as part of Taskforce Hawk’s investigation into alleged secret commissions in Victoria’s construction industry. Police allege the man was involved in more than $424,000 in fraud. A second man was also charged with making a false document.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-01/victoria-police-taskforce-hawk-arrest/107102784
How Coles and NSW Police busted an Apple gift card tampering scam – 1 September 2026
The ABC reports on a gift-card tampering scam involving Coles, where Apple gift cards were manipulated before being purchased by customers, allowing criminals to steal the loaded funds. NSW Police identified and convicted a man linked to more than $10,000 worth of tampered cards, highlighting growing concerns about gift-card fraud and organised criminal activity in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/coles-nsw-police-apple-gift-card-tampering/107102712
Australian Federal Police raid home of former CFMEU official John Perkovic – 1 September 2026
The AFP raided the Melbourne home of former CFMEU organiser John Perkovic as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in Victoria’s construction industry. Perkovic, who worked for more than a decade in the union’s Victorian branch before being dismissed in October 2025, is linked to allegations detailed in a report provided to the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU. The raid forms part of the broader investigation into alleged corrupt conduct within Victoria’s construction sector
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/afp-raid-melbourne-home-of-former-cfmeu-official/107105416
Property developer claimed ‘the premier is my best friend’ in tapped phone call, Icac hears – 3 September 2026
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption heard further evidence concerning allegations that property developer Jean Nassif made prohibited political donations totalling $2 million in an attempt to influence political outcomes. The inquiry is examining the alleged involvement of Charles Perrottet and others, including whether payments and political activity were connected to efforts to benefit Nassif’s property interests. The article reports that former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet is not accused of wrongdoing, while the ICAC inquiry into the alleged arrangements continues.
Ex-KPMG executive sues firm after being sacked over audit scandal – 3 September 2026
KPMG Australia’s former chief operating officer Eileen Hoggett is suing the firm after being expelled from the partnership over her alleged involvement in the audit leak scandal. The case follows allegations that confidential client documents were improperly stored and used, prompting investigations and the departure of senior KPMG executives. Hoggett is seeking access to documents relating to her dismissal and disputes the circumstances surrounding her expulsion.
Coffs Harbour strata fraud accused Jessica Carah granted Supreme Court bail with home detention – 4 September 2026
Former property manager Jessica Carah, who faces 404 criminal charges, was granted bail with home detention by the NSW Supreme Court. The charges include 403 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and an allegation involving proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000. The allegations stem from an investigation into unauthorised transfers from dozens of strata accounts while she was employed in the property management sector. Carah has not yet entered pleas to the charges.
Former V/Line boss and cleaning company boss jailed for corruption – 4 September 2026
Former V/Line chief executive James Pinder and cleaning company owner George Haritos were jailed over a corruption scheme involving multimillion-dollar cleaning contracts for Melbourne’s train network. Pinder pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office after accepting secret payments, including money connected with the purchase of a $2.5 million home, while failing to disclose his relationship with Haritos when a major contract was awarded. Haritos was also sentenced for his role in the conspiracy and secret commissions.
Bendigo Bank scam victims lose combined $350k, concerns raised about security systems – 4 September 2026
This article examines cases involving customers who lost substantial amounts of money to an alleged Microsoft impersonation scam after being persuaded to provide scammers with remote access to their computers. The victims subsequently raised concerns about the bank’s fraud detection and response processes, particularly after other financial institutions reportedly issued warnings about suspicious transactions.
Stephen Cross pleads guilty to dating app deception scam – 4 September 2026
A Victorian man pleaded guilty to multiple charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception after allegedly using false identities and fabricated personal emergencies to obtain money from women he met through dating applications. The court heard that the offending involved deception over an extended period and caused significant financial and personal harm to several victims. The matter is due to proceed to sentencing.
ASIC probing whether KPMG misled regulator – 4 September 2026
Australia. The SMH reports that ASIC is investigating whether KPMG misled the regulator in relation to an audit matter. The investigation follows concerns about information provided by the accounting firm and adds to scrutiny of KPMG’s conduct and audit practices.
